STEM Core

Meet the Team

Donna Miranda | Program Coordinator

Donna Miranda joined Foothill College in September 2016. Prior to Foothill, Donna
worked in academic operations for 3+ years, coordinating online and on campus Allied
Health programs. Donna oversees the STEM Core program which includes program logistics,
grant managing, and working with students to maximize their success. She was a community
college student and transferred to UC Berkeley where she earned a B.A. in Political
Science and a minor in Education. On her spare time, she enjoys eating at new restaurants,
reading, and exploring new cities.

Zachary Cembellin | Math Faculty

Professor Cembellin teaches the yearlong math sequence for the STEM Core cohort. Originally
from San Jose, Zach pursued a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and a minor in philosophy
from Chico State. He then went on to CSU East Bay, where he earned an M.S. in Applied
Mathematics and taught as a teacher’s assistant while completing his degree. He came
to Foothill in 2010 where he worked as a tutor, part-time instructor and eventually
a full-time tenured instructor. When he isn’t teaching, Zach is studying the philosophy
of mathematics, quantum field theory, playing pick-up basketball games on the local
courts, and producing instrumental music in electronic form.

Sarah Parikh | Engineering Faculty

Professor Parikh has a Ph.D. from Stanford University in Mechanical Engineering, studying
Engineering Education. Students taking Professor Parikh's courses can expect interactive
lectures with discussions and activities in small groups. Each of Professor Parikh's
courses has a project. Outside of class, Professor Parikh enjoys cooking, reading,
and taking her kids to the park. Her goal is to support and inspire all students to
achieve their goals in school and in life.